News Release

The effects of spirituality in Alcoholics Anonymous on alcohol dependence

New research shows that attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings may increase spirituality and help decrease frequency and intensity of alcohol use

Addictions, whether to drugs or alcohol, are a very difficult hurdle for individuals to overcome. But there are ways to help people with their recovery through 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Many of these organizations, including AA, highlight spirituality as a very important factor, but the data surrounding its effectiveness have often been contested. However, new research shows that as attendance at AA meetings increases, so do the participants' spiritual beliefs, especially in those individuals who had low spirituality at the beginning of the study.